EDITORIAL MAR 168
CHRISTMAS IS COMINGBy Rod Ward
May I wish the compliments of the season to everyone.
By the time MAR 169 is in your hands Christmas 2002 (or whatever you celebrate), and New Year 2003, will have been and gone, and almost two months will have passed.
This is by way of a reminder that we don't publish MAR in January. This issue, MAR 168, has an official publication date of 7 December 2002, and MAR 169 will be published on 7 February 2003. That issue will include some of the news of 2003 planned releases (though some is already in this issue) and I invite everyone who has access to news to send it to us in good time for inclusion in our 'New for 2003' issues early next year. As we are in the season of Goodwill to all Men, I have agreed not to persist with my gloomy prognostications about the future of the model car business, and my preoccupations with an ageing collector population and the extinguishing of many leading lights in our world. So, here we are, in a brave new world of booming sales, endless lists of wonderful new models of important cars never made before, at very low prices, all selling fast to an ever-growing population of model collectors of all ages. No, I'm wrong, they are mostly young collectors, coming forward in such droves that new shops can't open fast enough to cope with the demand. It does my heart good to see such a wonderful turn-around in everyone's fortunes at this festive season. Now just pass me that plate of mince pies. No, closer, I can't reach them. My arms seem to be tied down in this funny jacket thing. Never mind, I'll just sit here enjoying the hot sunshine.
A Merry Christmas, and a Happy New Year to you all.
There will be lots more Good News in MAR 169.NEWS
MATTEL FERRARI ENZOBy Hans-Georg Schmitt
On 26 September 2002 at the Paris Show, Ferrari fans' speculation ended with the unveiling of the new Ferrari F60, replacing the F50. Under factory code FX a street-legal racing car was born. Following Ferrari's success in Formula One, the new car's specification demanded that it should beat every other supercar in the world. In dry facts, this means a six litre 650hp V12 engine, a semi-automatic Formula One gearbox, and a carbon fibre chassis. On a what was essentially an F1 racing car chassis Pininfarina designed an exciting body with gullwing doors, an automatically rising rear spoiler and an aerodynamic floor with a rear diffuser, to achieve a maximum speed around 330km/h. All that's missing is the direct radio link to Todt and Ross Brawn. At half a million Euros, it is the most expensive Ferrari of all time. Only 300 will be built, so Luca de Montezemolo will allow only his best customers to buy it. Due to the high standards and high expectations, a special name was needed, and it was named Enzo, to commemorate the great man. Alongside the presentation of the real car, Mattel launched their model of the Enzo Ferrari in 1:18 scale. The body is shaped very accurately in every detail, the front boot lid, doors and bonnet open, and the steering works quite realistically. The interior is only finished in black, not in a second colour like the original car, the centre console looks like carbon-fibre, but there are no seat belts. There is also no traditional chromed gear lever and gearshift gate. Now the gears are changed by a paddle behind the steering wheel. The engine replica under the huge rear window is adequately detailed. Compared with photographs of the original, it could have more components and colours. There is just a silver printed prancing horse on the air intake, no red cylinder heads or labels. The aluminium wheels are well-shaped. The Edizione Speciale 26 Settembre 2002 is Mattel reference 56293. The box has photographs and drawings of the real car, plus a short biography of Enzo Ferrari himself.
CLUB NEWS
Collated by Rod WardFerrari Model Club: It now seems most likely that the Ferrari Model Club magazine, probably the plushest club organ we ever see, will cease publication at the end of 2002. Dominique Lahuec says that it has taken him 50 to 60 hours per edition to produce the magazine, eight times per year. This kept down costs for the Club (if it had been produced by an outside design agency, the Club could only have afforded to pay for three issues per annum), but other factors have intervened as well. The number of paying members has continued to decline, and the biggest advertiser and sponsor, Scuderia Auto Becker, has been lost due to his financial problems. The Club's annual meeting did not take place in 2002, due to lack of volunteers. The main problem in recent years has been lack of support (and even positive obstruction at times) from Ferrari. Dominique sadly notes that 'Ferrari has turned into a merchandising giant, but where is their humanity?' If the Club does not survive, maybe we can continue to report Ferrari model news in MAR. If you know a way to bail out the Club, contact Dominique at Wotanstrasse 40/3, D-80639 München, Germany.
South Hants Model Auto Club: Like most of the publications in our field, the SHMAC magazine prints obituaries of notable persons. It says something about the priorities of this club that the deaths of two model car manufacturers (Richard Briggs and Doug McHard) get a bare mention, but with no 'story' attached, whereas racing driver Lance Macklin gets two paragraphs. Surprising for a model club? Even The Times gave more space to Doug McHard than it did to Lance Macklin, when it published obituaries on each of them. Still, we've always thought of the SHMAC as competition car enthusiasts club, so perhaps this just reflects the preferences of the membership? Other features of interest in issue 8 volume II of the SHMAC magazine describe the Porsche 917L Gulf from Le Mans 1971, Joest Le Mans entrants, NSU and the Leyland Octopus, so it's not all racing cars. The Leyland Octopus article includes a couple of photographs previously published in the Auto Review book Leyland Lorries and Vans, written by John Hanson. The photos were provided for that publication by the H-S collection, but the SHMAC gives no credit for the photo. Tut tut. There is even something about a tractor. Oh, it's just because it's a Porsche tractor. If you'd like to join the SHMAC, either to redress the balance between model car collectors and racing car fans, or just because you'd like to support the latter group, phone Secretary Dave Painter on 01264 366408.
The Lansdowne Collectors Club: Robert Timmis, with other members of his family, operates this Club for collectors of Lansdowne models, and also other white metal handbuilt products of the Brooklin factory. In fact the Club also incorporates the Robeddie Collectors Club. The bumper A4 quarterly magazine (over 60 pages packed with information in the latest issue) keeps everyone up to date with news of Lansdowne models old and new, with analysis of variants, and detailed descriptions of the original vehicle upon which a particular model is based. Robert also gives similar expansive treatment to all Brooklin and Robeddie Models releases, to offer a more detailed context to collectors of those ranges as well.
For details of how to join the Lansdowne Club (including the Robeddie Club and coverage of Brooklin Models as well), write to Robert at 203 Northwich Road, Lower Stretton, Warrington, Cheshire WA4 4PF, telephone 01925 730504.
Sydney Model Auto Club: Tony Hanna, Editor of the SMAC magazine Think Small, tells of his trip to the Adelaide swapmeet (two States away), which he travelled to by car, setting off at 4:00 am and arriving at 7:30 pm. It was well worth the effort, as Tony says, 'It's amazing how all the good stuff in Australia gravitates to Adelaide'. He then treated his wife to two weeks holiday, touring home via Melbourne. Sounds memorable, driving along the Great Ocean Road, and the pictures in Think Small are splendid It's not quite the same somehow, driving to Slough and touring back via Newark, up the Great North Road. There are lots of other events in Australia, Bendigo, Sydney and Canberra included. The latter was well attended, and dealers said sales were very good 'unlike Sydney and Adelaide'.
Among the continuing flood of new models in Australia, on every conceivable Aussie-built car, there is news of a new range from Trax. This is Trux, a range of commercial vehicles, pickups and buses, the first of which is likely to be a Daimler dual entrance single deck bus from the 1950s, and which we seem to recognise from another Australian range.
More news on this range when we have it.
For more news on the Sydney Club, and how to join it, contact Tony on 9516 5921.
Coventry Diecast Model Club: 'This magazine is written by you, for you. Without you, it won't happen.' This message features prominently in Wheelspin, the CDMC magazine, and should be printed in big letters in every club publication (and maybe MAR as well). With 28 A5 pages as well-packed as usual you wouldn't think Wheelspin had much of a problem getting contributions from members, but it takes a lot of material to fill that much space for 27 years of continuous publication. The 157th issue was devoted to Paul and Hilary Kennelly, stalwarts of the Club, who have decided to move on, having disposed of their Time Machine shop in Coventry. Wheelspin featured pictures from their past; the shop, the owners, the staff, the special models, and nostalgic scenes. To continue the nostalgic theme, Will Roe adds another episode to his series on Coventry-related models, and there are a lot more than I thought. There must be more models of Coventry buses and local products than for any city of comparable size. Much of the credit for this plethora of releases goes to the CDMC and such members as Roger Bailey, who provided information to manufacturers, and commissioned special issues. These things don't just happen, you know. If you think that your area is poorly represented in scale model form, why not follow the CDMC's example? Manufacturers are always looking for well-researched livery information for their future programmes. You can prepare it and send it 'on spec' in case they would like to use it on a future release. Or you can be brave and commission your own limited edition production run to distribute to collectors and to local interest groups. Very often a local newspaper will be glad to run a promotion to sell models in a local livery, without charging for the advertising, just a levy on the cost of each model supplied. If it's all too much trouble for you, why not just join the CDMC, where they already have it all sorted? Telephone 024 7630 7700.
Durham Collector: This is the name of the newsletter for collectors of Durham Classics models, made in Canada. It is published three times a year, and subscriptions cost $US 20. Subscribers can purchase a special model each year, the fifth and latest being a 1941 Chevrolet Canopy Express in New York Times livery, with newspaper load. It is shown here in prototype form, the production model features a placard 'Glenn Miller's Plane Missing Over Channel', which happened in 1944. Contact Durham Classics, 595 Wentworth Street E #63, Oshawa, Ontario L1H3V8, Canada.
Trax Club: This club was formed by the manufacturers, Top Gear, in 1999, for collectors of their Trax models, which are diecast in China for Australia. Among the benefits for members there is a quarterly journal, Keeping Trax, which updates members on latest releases, with sneak previews and offers. Membership costs $AUS27.50 ($35.00 outside Australia).
Contact http://www.topgear.com.au or Freecall in Australia at 1800 635 508.
Maidenhead Static Model Club: The Club eventually found the winner of the June Toy Fair raffle, when Nigel Mynheer came forward with his winning ticket and claim the prize. He said, 'I had put the ticket in the pocket of my raincoat and forgot about it. It was still in my pocket; I shall probably auction this valuable prize through my company and donate the proceeds to the Club's charity fund'. The MSMC recently had a Junk Auction where members bring unwanted toys, models, books and catalogues to Club night and other members bid. Chairman Mike Forbes was the auctioneer and pushed up the bids, so that the Club's charity fund benefited by over £200. For information on the Club's toy fair or membership details, ring John Garside on 07729 910632.
Wessex Model and Toy Collectors: As part of their continuing efforts to promote more contacts between Clubs, the WMTC invited members of other clubs to their transport-related quiz night in September. Members of the South Hants and Avon Clubs (Why don't we ever hear from the Avon club? Are they afraid of what we'll say about them in MAR?) attended, as well as 16 Wessex members, to do battle. This made up a total of seven teams, and the eventual winners were from the host club, though only one point covered the top three teams, the WMTC Grovellers, Five Pounds a SHMAC and the aptly-named Norfolk Enchance.
In case any non-Anglophone readers wondered, no that doesn't mean there is an East Anglian club we've never previously mentioned in our Club News coverage in MAR. I suspect that the members of this team came froma lot further west than Norfolk. The quiz is a laudable effort, and more inter-club events should be encouraged. how about a National Quiz League for clubs? If they won't join together out of solidarity, or a common interest in model cars, maybe they'll do it for the chance of quiz glory and lots of beer? If you'd like to discuss this or other matters, contact the Wessex Club Chairman and Membership secretary Doug Male on 01225 755043.
BOOK REVIEWS
by Hans-Georg Schmitt (HGS) and Robert P Gunn (RPG)SCHUCO PICCOLO Die Modell von 1957 bis heute: 3 Aktualisierte Auflage (The models 1957 to today: 3 Updated edition) by Rudger Huber, German text. 136 pages, 428 photos, 160 x 215 mm. Paperbound. ISBN 3-89441-497-9. Published by and available from Battenberg Verlag, member of the Weltbild Ratgeber Verlage GmbH & Co KG, Hilble-strasse 54; D 80636 Müaut;nchen, Germany.
Piccolo models made ideal children's toys and accessories for model railways during the 1950s. Later on they became rare and thus very sought after by any adults who wanted to have a piece of their own childhood in their collection. The product manager of the new Schuco company decided to respond to this demand, and started a new range of Piccolo models, so the re are now many more collectors, interested in both standard releases and limited editions. Schuco expert Rudger Huber helps us to keep up with the enormous number of releases by issuing the third updated edition of his Piccolo handbook. Every model is shown in a colour photo, with its market value. The book also includes Schuco history in general, and in particular on Piccolo models in the 1950s. HGS
Mercedes-Benz Grand Prix 1934-1955 by George C Monkhouse, translated into German by Halwart Schrader, 205 pages, 457 pictures. Hard bound with dust cover. 245 x 300 mm, ISBN 3898801136 Published by and available from Heel Verlag GmbH, Gut Pottscheid, 53639 Konigswinter, Germany (Also available in English)
Many books on Mercedes-Benz have been published in the last two decades, but few are as notable as the fascinating Grand Prix coverage of British author and photographer George Monkhouse, who knew the drivers and engineers, and who was so knowledgeable about his subject. Monkhouse was one of the few joumalists who enjoyed unrestricted access to the Mercedes-Benz racing pits, due to his first class objective reporting. In this large format picture book these long forgotten times come to life again. The Grand Prix Racing scenes from 1934 to 1939 and after the War to 1955 are shown in brilliant lively photographs, with a detailed account of the Mercedes racing scene, so this expensively produced book will become a valuable record of racing history.The original English issue was published in 1983, the first German language edition was published in Switzerland, and now Heel Verlag have discovered this excellent book all over again. HGS
DDR Automobil-Klassiker Volume 1 by Eberhard Kiffler, German text, 160 pages, 142 photos. Hardbound 245 x 310mm. ISBN 3-613-02256-7. Published by and available from Motorbuch Verlag, Member of Paul Pietsch Verlage GmbH & Co, Olga-strasse 86; D-70180 Stuttgart, Germany.
Previously ignored cars made in the former DDR have now matured to become valuable classics. Here we have the most interesting vehicles pictured, mostly with authentic backdrops in brilliant photos with interesting stories about rare birds like the EMW 327/3, IFA F9 cabrio-saloon, various Wartburgs, the six cylinder Sachsenring P 240 and Representant, different Trabants, the Wartburg 353-based Melkus sport coupe and others. HGS
A HISTORY OF CANADIAN FIRE ENGINES by Donal M Baird 240 pages, 234 pictures. Hardbound with dust cover 225 x 275 mm. ISBN 1-55125-054-3, Published by and available from Vanwell Publishing Limited, PO Box 2131, 1 Northrup Crescent, St Catharines, ONT Canada L2R 7S2.
The story of fire engines told in this book is also a history of technological development, social evolution and romance. This book displays scores of fire engines at every stage of their history. It describes such critical innovations in technology as pressurised water in the streets and steam power that have drove the development of fire apparatus to the present day, and here we see some lesser-known fire vehicles from Canada. HGS
The Bumper Book of Lone Star Diecast Models and Toys 1948-88, Written and published by Geoffrey S Ambridge, available from the author at: PO Box 159, Polegate BN26 6AX, UK. Softbound, 196 pages, 185 x 248mm, ISBN 0-9539058-0-2, price £19.50 plus postage.
This is only the second book about the Lone Star company, after Andrew Ralston's excellent little book published in 1998, which is also still available. Geoffrey Ambridge has the advantage of inside knowledge, having followed his father to work at DCMT Ltd, parent company of Lone Star. Clearly the author had access to internal documents, trade catalogues and so forth, greatly adding to the interest of this book.After including various memoirs of former staff, including the author himself, and letters from employees, the book covers the huge variety of products made by Lone Star, with a chapter on each. These include military models, cars and trucks, trains, and of course the amazing range of toy guns made by Lone Star over the years. Finally there are several lists and pictures of former staff. A large section is devoted to the Company Cowboy Steve Larrabee, who was on the payroll as a walking advertisement for the firm's guns and related Western products. This job was performed by Roy P Green, who is alive and well, now living in the USA. He was under strict instructions to talk with an American accent and not to admit to being English! But the chapters of most interest to MAR readers are those dealing with the Roadmaster and Impy ranges of diecast cars. These make good reading, though there is not a great deal of new information, beyond that in Andrew Ralston's much cheaper book.
Letters and tapes from old employees are apparently reproduced word for word from the originals; as a result, many duplicate each other, giving the same information in slightly different forms, often at great length. Roy Green also mentions his current friendships with retired Hollywood film stars, great fun no doubt, but frankly totally irrelevant to a book about a diecasting firm. I think the clue to this is how Mr Ambridge refers to himself as the compiler, rather than the author. As such, he saw his duty as apparently excluding any editorial function. It would have been possible, for example, to shorten the letters from old staff, leaving more room for the truly fascinating pages from old trade catalogues. There are many of these, but I would have liked to see a complete trade catalogue from just one year, to give an overall view, but this only my opinon. Writing the history of a firm which produced so many products over some 40 years is a mammoth task. All in all, Geoffrey Ambridge has done a fine job and this book is a very useful addition to the small body of literature on the fascinating Lone Star company. RPG
Modelleisenbahnen der DDR; 3: updated issue, by Jorg Domke, Ralf Richter, German text, 264 pages, 434 pictures. Paperbound 160 x 215 mm. ISBN 3-89441-510-X. Published by and available from Battenberg Verlag, of Verlagsgruppe Droemer Weltbild GmbH+Co KG, D-80632 München, Germany East Germany's socialist planned economy also made model railways and accessories. Many companies, at first independent, later under Socialist party control, produced railway equipment and also model cars. This catalogue mostly deals with railway rolling stock but also covers model car manufacturers in the former DDR. Among others the Hruska range is described, since then almost entirely destroyed by the millennium floods. HGS
CORGI 2003
New models promised in Corgi's various ranges in the first half of 2003 (or longer) are listed here. The Aviation Archive plans for 2003 are listed in the avia mini pages of MAR 168.
CORGI COLLECTABLES
New releases: January to June 2003
All 1:43 or 1:50 diecast models, with month of expected release noted. New models of note include the Volvo F88 and DAF 95, plus the Land Rover Defender.
NINE DOUBLE NINE 1:50 (Land Rovers 1:43) CC13004 Dennis F15 rear pump escape Leics-Rutland Jan CC13005 Dennis F12 side pump escape Coventry May CC06303 Daimler Hooper Ambulance Notts CC Feb CC56106 Diamond T Wrecker Glamorgan FS Mar CC07702 Land Rover 110 Station Wagon Thames Valley Police Apr CC07704 Land Rover 110 Hardtop South Glamorgan Fire Service Jun LAND ROVER DEFENDER SERIES CC07703 Land Rover 110 Station Wagon AA May CC07701 Land Rover 110 Defender SW green Mar ROAD TRANSPORT HERITAGE 1:50 CC10103 Foden FG four axle Sheeted flat lorry Silver Roadways Feb CC11507 AEC Mk V four axle flat lorry with container Suttons of Cornwall Jan CC11508 AEC Mk V four axle flat Smiles & Co Ltd Apr CC11609 Leyland LAD Octopus with drawbar trailer HB & H Ltd Mar HAULIERS OF RENOWN 1:50 CC12008 MAN artic bulk tipper B J Waters Transport Jun CC12106 Renault Premium bulk tipper Bannerman Apr CC12212 Scania 4 Ser. bulk tipper W H Malcolm Jan CC12213 Scania 4 Series curtainside Westfield Feb CC12214 Scania 4 Ser. tactor unit Ken Thomas Feb CC12215 Scania 4 Ser. frig J R Harding & Sons Jun HEAVY HAULAGE 1:50 CC12305 Scammell Contractors x2 with trailer and load Eddie Stobart Jan CC12909 Scania Topline tractor unit with double jeep dolly Cadzow Mar CC13203 DAF XF Super Space Cab, low trailer with steam locomotive load, Allelys Jun HAULIERS OF RENOWN CC13101 Volvo F88 artic Eddie Stobart Feb CC13102 Volvo F88 + log trailer William Nicol Ltd May CC13201 DAF XF Super Space Cab curtainside Longs of Leeds May CC12416 Volvo FH Globetrotter curtainside Jeffries Mar CC12417 Volvo FH Globetrotter tractor unit A Wishart Apr CC12509 Atkinson Borderer artic flat with steel load Bassetts Jan CC12609 Scammell Crusader with sheeted flatbed trailer Morris Young Mar CC12807 Scania T Cab with Feldbinder artic tanker trailer Cyril Knowles Ltd Jan CC12907 Scania Topline Curtainsider D Curran Jan CC12908 Scania Topline + frig trailer L E Jones Mar MODERN TRUCK - THE NETHERLANDS 1:50 CC13204 DAF XF Space Cab curtainside de Rijke May CC13205 DAF XF Space Cab frig trailer Visbeen Jun CC12910 Scania Topline curtainside Van Bentum Apr MINI MANIA: THE NEW MINI COOPER CC86511 John Cooper Challenge No 2 red CC86512 John Cooper Challenge No 1 Mike Cooper blue CC86513 John Cooper Challenge No 12 Fat Face D Elliott Premium Edition TIPPERS 2nd Quarter 2003 CC10102 Foden FG tipper+ gravel Keirby & Perry CC10602 Leyand Octopus closed tipper CC10504 ERF KV tipper Ketton CementORIGINAL OMNIBUS CO
New releases: January to June 2003
All 1:76 models, with month of expected release noted. The East Lancs bus body is new.
OM40402 AEC Regent Weymann Brighton Corp Jan OM40505 Feltham Tram London United Tramways Jan OM40806 Bristol Lodekka FS MacTours Edinburgh Jan OM40807 Bristol Lodekka FS open top Southdown Apr OM41005 AEC 4Q4 single decker Greenline Jan OM41006 AEC 4Q4-Bedford single decker Malta Mar OM41101 AEC Regent V-East Lancs St Helens Mar OM41102 Daimler CVG6-East Lancs Huddersfield Apr OM41103 Leyland PD3A/East Lancs Accrington Jun OM41907 Leyland PD3 Queen Mary Southdown Brighton, Hove & District Jan OM42408 Leyland Leopard-Panorama 1 Southdown Jun OM43506 Blackpool Balloon Tram 1980s livery May OM43603 Plaxton Palatine II Blackpool Transport Feb OM43704 BUT 9641T Trolleybus Bournemouth May OM44006 Blackpool Brush Tram Royal Mail Mar OM44007 Blackpool Brush Tram Brannigans Apr OM44102 Optare Solo Stagecoach North West Feb OM45113 MCW Metrobus Mk II Wolverhampton Mar OM45307 Bova Futura The Kings Ferry May OM45506 BMMO CM5 Coach Midland Red Jan OM45607 BMMO D9 open top LT London Zoo Jun OM45709 AEC Q Double decker Bolton Corp FebWORLD WAR II
January to September 2003 releases from this new series, mostly 1:50 scale. It represents a 'major new investment' according to Corgi. Note the Bedford QL, a useful subject...
OPERATION BARBAROSSA: THE EASTERN PUSH CC51602 T-34 Model 1934 Soviet Army 112th Tank Brigade, 8th Tank Corps, January 1943 Feb CC60001 Sd Kfz.7/1 Krauss-Maffei halftrack with 2cm Flakvierling, Belgorod, August 43 Mar CC60201 PzKpfw V Panzer Regiment, Kursk, '43 May CC60102 Churchill MkIV 5th Guard Tank Army, Soviet Army (lease?lend) Summer 1943 Jun CC60203 PzKpfw V Panther Ausf. D Panzer Regiment Eastern Front, Winter 1943-44 Sep WAR ACROSS THE WESTERN FRONT CC55107 Diamond T M19 tank transporter British Army (with M9 Rogers trailer) Jan CC60002 SdKfz 7 Krauss-Maffei semi track German 12th Army, France, June 1940 Mar CC51707 Dodge WC US Army Paris Liberation (1:43) May CC51005 Sherman M4A2 French Army, 3e Ptn, 4e Esc, 2e Cuirassiers, 1e B Marseilles 1944 May CC60101 Churchill Mark III 'C' Sqn Calgary Regiment 1st Canadian Army Tank Brigade, Dieppe Aug '42 Jun CC60301 Bedford QLT Troop Carrier British Army Jul CC60302 Bedford QLR Command British Army Aug ITALY - THE RACE TO MESSINA CC51708 WC 56 Command Car US 7th Army Sicily 1943 (1:43) Jan CC51004 M4 A3 Sherman Tank British Army Royal Scots Greys Italy 1943 Apr CC51006 M4 A3 Sherman Tank US Army 2nd Armoured Division Sicily 1943 Jun CC60202 Panther Tank A Model German Army 18th Panzer Division, Italy 1943-44 Jul CC60103 Churchill NA75 British Army 'A' Sqn, 51 RTR, Gothic Line Italy Sept 1944 Aug CC60003 Sd.Kfz. 7/1 Krauss-Maffei halftrack German Army Hermann Göring Panzer Corps Sicily 43-44 SeptLLEDO VANGUARDS
New releases: January to June 2003
All 1:43 scale diecast models, with the month of expected release noted. Major new tooling includes the Wolseley Six ('land crab') and Jaguar XJ6 Series II There is a gold plated version of the F-Type Victor for the Vauxhall Centenary, and a range of slightly customised 'Boy Racers' with windscreen sun strips, tinted windows, alloy wheels and go-faster stripes.
SALOON CARS VA01009 Morris Minor Traveller Rose Taupe Mar VA02109 Ford Popular Saloon sunburst yellow Feb VA02308 Austin A35 OE white-Berkshire green May VA03807 Vauxhall Victor gold plated 100th anniv Jun VA04407 Austin A60 Cambridge Sutherland green Jun VA06404 Vauxhall Cresta Versailles green-black Apr VA06806 Hillman Minx IIIA ash grey/oyster grey Feb VA06905 Rover P5 Mk II marine grey/light navy Jan VA07301 Ford Cortina Mk I ambassador blue Jan VA08203 Triumph 2000 Mk II white Mar VA08500 Wolseley Six cosmic blue metallic Jan VA08600 Jaguar XJ6 regency red Apr VA08602 Jaguar XJ6 blue, towing pony trailer May SPORTS CARS VA04903 Jaguar E-Type 3.8 roadster silver grey Mar VA05004 MGA open top Old English white Jan VA05702 Austin Healey 3000 MkII two-tone green Feb VA07002 Sunbeam Alpine Mk II wedgwood blue Jun BOY RACERS VA00123 Ford Anglia black with flames custom May VA06614 Ford Transit MkI van red-white-blue custom Jan VA04108 Ford Cortina MkII metallic purple custom Apr POLICE VEHICLES VA05207 Ford Granada MkI 3.0 Essex Police Feb VA05507 Ford Consul Glasgow Police Response Car Jun VA06615 Ford Transit +dog trailer Glasgow Police Apr VA06708 Triumph Spitfire Cheshire Constabulary Jan VA06805 Hillman Minx Somerset County Constabulary Jan VA08501 Wolseley 1800 City of London Police Mar VA08601 Jaguar XJ6 Thames Valley Police May COMMERCIALS VA01417 Mini van High Roof Royal Mail Jun VA00415 Ford Anglia van Marley Tiles Apr VA06613 Ford Transit MkI van Millionth Transit Feb VA07501 Morris Commercial van Royal Mail Mar VA07502 Morris Commercial coal lorry NCB May VA07602 Land Rover Series IIA HT British Railways JanSHOWCASE MODELS
January to June 2003 releases in the Showcase range include many military and fire models, plus some aircraft. The aviation-only series are listed in the avia mini pages of this issue.
FIGHTING MACHINES Operation Overlord Issue #1 CS90073 P-38 Lightning USAAF (Scat II) Jan CS90074 P-51D Mustang USAAF (Old Crow) Jan CS90075 CS90076 M4 Sherman Tank US Army Jan CS90076 Willys Jeep 4x4 Utility US Army Jan CSCW19004 4 Piece Set Jan El Alamein Issue #1 CS90077 Bf 109 Messerschmitt Luftwaffe JG27 Jan CS90078 Hawker Hunter (tropical) RAF Jan CS90079 M4 Sherman Tank 7th Armoured Div Jan CS90080 Kubelwagen Afrika Korps Jan CSCW21004 4 Piece Set Jan Battle For Stalingrad Issue #1 CS90059 Pzkw IV G 16TH Panzer Division Jan CS90060 T34 /76 8th Tank Army Jan CS90061 Bf 109 Luftwaffe Udet Wing Jan CS90062 Hawker Hurricane 296 IAP Soviet AF Jan CSCW23004 4 Piece Set Jan The History of Tank Warfare CS90106 MkIV Tank Male Jan CS90107 Pzkw IV Panzer Tank Desert, short gun Jan CS90108 M4 Sherman Tank Jan CS90109 M1 Abrahms MBT Jan CSCW13004 4 Piece Set Jan Falklands Issue #1 CS90114 Westland Wessex Royal Navy Jan CS90115 Land Rover British Army Jan CS90116 Harrier GR3 RAF Jan CS90117 Scorpion Light Tank British Army Jan CSCW05004 4 Piece Set Jan Desert Storm Issue #1 CS90085 F-16 Falcon US Navy Mar CS90086 M1 Abrams MBT US Army Mar CS90087 HMMVW Utility US Army Mar CS90088 F-14 US Air Force Mar CSCW06004 4 Piece Set Mar D-Day Issue #2 CS90133 Churchill Tank British Army May CS90134 Tiger I Tank Wehrmacht May CS90135 Kubelwagen Wehrmacht May CS90136 C-47 USAAF May CSCW08004 4 Piece Set May Twin Pack Sets CSCW17002 Stalingrad T34, Panzer IV +2 figs May CSCW14002 Battle of Bulge Stuka, Sherman & 2 figs May CSCW15002 Desert Storm F16, M1 Abrams & 2 figs May CSCW16002 Vietnam Huey Chopper, M48 & 2 figs May Battle Scenes of WWII CSCW09004 Stalingrad T34, Panzer IV, Hurricane & 4 figs May CSCW10004 Battle of Bulge Sherman, Tiger, Me109 & 4 figs May CSCW11004 El Alamein Churchill, Tiger, Spitfire & 4 figs May CSCW12004 Figures May FIRE HEROES Issue #4 World Protectors CS90063 ALF ,Stars & Stripes Vero Beach Jan CS90064 Magirus Deutz Feuerwehr Seefeld Jan CS90065 Land Rover City of Bath Jan CS90066 Seagrave 70th Anniversary Lebanon PA Jan CSFH13004 4 Piece Set JanLLEDO TRACKSIDE SERIES
New releases: January to June 2003
All 1:76 models, with month of expected release noted. The most notable new model is a 'Noddy' van (no actual connection with the children's character, other than a fancied resemblance), plus an AEC wrecker.
DG112008 Scammell artic low loader with boiler load Red House Jan DG114006 AEC Wrecker Pickfords May DG146003 Guy Pantechnicon van Silentnight Jan DG146004 Guy Pantechnicon van Restmor May DG148003 Scammell Scarab flat+crates Co-op Dairy Feb DG150004 Foden S21 artic low load + excavator NCB Mar DG172000 AEC Artic Tanker Castrol Feb DG174000 BMC 'Noddy van' BRS Mar DG174002 BMC 'Noddy van' Roadline Silver Jubilee Jun DG176000 Leyland 4 axle flat BRS Sheffield May DG176002 Leyland 4 axle flat Phorpres London Brick Jun TRACKSIDE BRITISH RAILWAYS SERIES BR2002 AEC Wrecker + goods depot British Rail Jan DG148004 Scammell Scarab flat Railfreight Feb DG148005 Scammell Scarab van Royal Mail Apr DG148006 Scammell Scarab van British Railways Apr DG176001 Leyland 4 axle flat British Railways MayCORGI TOYS 2003
Corgi Toy Collection releases for 2003, with month of expected release noted.
SUPERHAULERS TY86906 Renault Car Transporter Car Trans Jan TY87005 DAF Curtainside Online Group Jan TY86803 ERF Curtainside Jack Richards & Sons Jan TY86617 Scania Curtainside Prestons Of Potto Jan TY86804 Renault Petrol Tanker Total Jan TY86618 Scania Rigid Truck WH Malcolms Jan TY87006 DAF 95 with C-C Trailer Pickfords Jan TY87007 DAF 95 Race Transporter King Racing Jan TY86619 Scania race transporter BRSCC Racing Jan TY86620 Scania Skeletal Trailer Hapag Lloyd Jan TY86621 Scania Race Transporter F.A.S.T Jan TY86907 Renault race transport Obsession Racing Jan 1:64 TRANSIT VANS TY81711 London Buses Operating Service Jan EMERGENCY SERVICES TY87702 AA Depot Mar TY87302 BMW Police Estate Car TY87202 Ambulance Jan CONSTRUCTION TY83802 Cement Mixer Castle Cement Jan GREAT OUTDOORS TY82702 Horse box and Land Rover Jan WORKING LIFE TY58119 Transit Van 1:43 TNT Jan TY81901 Mercedes 207D Van Online Group Jan ROAD RESCUE TY82703 AA Land Rover Jan TY82002 AA Rescue Vehicle Transit Van Jan TY82003 Amey Mouchel Transit Van Jan EDDIE STOBART TY87601 Stobart Fork Lift Truck Jan TY86805 Stobart ERF Rigid Truck JanLLEDO DAYS GONE
New releases: January to June 2003
All diecast models, with month of expected release noted. The major news is that there will be a new casting of a Bedford CA van (the early short wheelbase split screen type).
Comics DG006175 Model T Ford Van Bunty Jan DG173000 Bedford CA Van - The Beano Feb DG050051 Bull Nose Morris Van The Dandy Feb DG061011 1953 Delivery Van The Topper Apr Emergency Services DG166000 Land Rover RAF Rescue Mar DG064009 1950 Bedford Ambulance Cockermouth Mountain Rescue Team Mar DG173001 Bedford CA Van Coast Guard Apr Collectors Guild - Advertising Archive The War Years DG108006 Dick Kerr Closed Tram Blackpool Transport 'Make Do & Mend' Jan DG049024 1932 AEC Double Deck Bus Glasgow Corp 'Hitler Will Send No Warning' Feb DG016042 1934 Dennis Van 'Dig For Victory' Mar DG043037 1931 Morris Van 'Put out your paper for Salvage' Apr DG015043 1932 AEC Double Deck Bus General 'Don't Telephone or Telegraph' May DG035006 1932 Dennis Limousine ARP Jun Food DG051017 1934 Box Van - Marmite Jan DG006176 Model T Ford Robertson's Jams Feb DG063027 Bedford van Birds Eye Frozen Foods Mar DG052027 Morris Parcels Van Warburtons Apr DG144001 AEC Type 'B' Bus Sharwood's May DG026019 Delivery Van Hellman May DG013090 Model A Van Ford Van Atora Suet Jun DG006177 Model T Ford - Baxters Soups Jun DG071023 1953 Morris LD150 HP Baked Beans Jun Drink DG044037 Scammell 6 Wheeler - Flowers Jan DG059031 1950 Bedford 30cwt Mackeson's Jan DG031011 Brewers Dray Newcastle Brown Ale Jan DG034009 1934 Dennis Van Canadian Club May DG085023 Renault Van Mumm's Champagne May DG173002 Bedford CA Van John Smith's Jun Country Life DG050050 Bull Nose Morris Van - Hunter Feb DG073018 VW Camper Van Lyle & Scott Mar DG058021 Morris Z Van - Barbour MayMODELEX 2002
By Rod WardNow that this year's Modelex show,is over, I can definitely declare it a success. Only one exhibitor to whom I have spoken said it was not commercially successful for him. After a two year 'gap' and a very difficult trading period in the interim, not to mention the recent deaths of some prominent exhibitors, there were many predictions of doom for the re-launch. Those maufacturers and traders who visited the show, but didn't exhibit, must have been kicking themselves that they hadn't booked a stand. Busy crowds, animated conversations as everyone caught up after two years, and new stuff to see, made this an unmissable event once more. I hope that Mike Kennington is able to get enough support to restore this event as an annual fixture. The new Stoneleigh location was preferred to the previous NMM space by almost everyone I spoke to, and there is great future potential there, especially if the large shutter doors can be open for less time on a chilly day! One lone exhibitor said he preferred the old NMM location (not the same chap referred to earlier, this one had a successful weekend, in spite of his aversion to the new hall). There was even space for the Jaguar anniversary exhibition, complete with two full-size D-types. Maybe next year we will see the return of some of the overseas exhibitors so conspicuous by their absence this time? News of new items gleaned at Modelex will be revealed in MAR over the next few issues, starting with MAR 168.
BUS STOP
RUSSIAN TRAM NEWS
By Leonid KhoykhinThe latest news from St Petersburg Tram Collection: our second 1:43 Melbourne tram is out. 185 1955-56 Melbourne and Metropolitan Tramways Board W7-class Tram (1001-1040 series). The W7-class were the last of the famous Melbourne range of W class cars, built in 1955-56, numbered 1001-1040. The body frames for 13 cars of this class were built by Ansair Pty Ltd, a Melbourne bus builder, and the rest of the class were built by MMTB themselves. The W7s had sound-proofed bodies and an improved drop-centre layout with semi-bulkheads on each side of each door and longitudinal seating. They also had the resilent wheels (phased out by 1970). The W7 class replaced buses on the Bourke Street route until 1975. As built, these cars had traditional gold lining, but this was removed at the first repainting. For more information, contact St Petersburg Tram Collection, PO Box No 16, 196158 St Petersburg, Russia, email: sptc@sp.ru
1:50 SCALE METROBUS
The latest bus from Collector's Model, diecast in China, is a 1:50 MCW Metrobus mark II two door double deck bus. The first version is of 500 models in the red livery of London Buses Wandle District, priced at around £35.00 in the UK.
BRITAIN
ENCO'S WIZARD MOVE
Pete Comben of Enco Models has had difficulty keeping up with demand for his casting services in recent years. This has meant that his range, Enco Models (which he originally made for Ernie and Ann Knott before taking over the range when Ernie retired) has suffered from lack of development (and deliveries), as has the casting work he does for many other trade customers. 'Because I am primarily a one man business', says Pete, 'I am very conscious of the fact that, should anything happen to me, it would leave my customers vulnerable'. So from December 2002 Pete's workshop in Spalding is closed, and all production is moving to Tin Wizard in Germany. This means that all moulds, patterns, plant and machinery will be relocated to Tin Wizard Model Cars, where production will start up again as soon as possible. 'By combining our technical expertise and resources I am confident that we will be able to supply a qualityproduct and service', he adds, 'I apologise for any inconvenience, every effort will be made to fulfil existing orders as quickly as possible, and in the longer term I am confident that we will also be able to offer a full product development service'.
TRUCKSTOP
FUTURE JIGSAW PUZZLE
Just as truck collectors were managing to get models for the first time of vehicles in the liveries of modern British operators (particularly from Corgi), it seems that eight smaller UK firms are joining together under the new name of Jigsaw. The new concern will have 1400 trucks, 2,000 trailers and will operate from 30 depots. The aim is to make savings due to scale, making this group second only to the mammoth Eddie Stobart operation. The firms involved are CM Downton, Currie European, Elddis, Macfarlane, Pollock (Scotrans), Stoford, F Swain and Widdowson Group. Presumably we will see the new Jigsaw livery on both real and model trucks soon, though not all the existing trucks on the road will be repainted.
HIGHWAY 61 RETAILED
Highway 61 is a range of diecast models made in China for the USA, mostly in a choice of colours. John Alderslade sent us the list below, and says he is importing them to the UK. Contact him at 54 Church Lane, Melksham, Wiltshire SN12 7EQ, telephone 01225 707346.
GMC flatbed truck 1941 1:16, three colours above Chevrolet flatbed truck 1941 1:16, three colours Studebaker Commander V8 1951 1:18, below Hurst Hairy Olds drag car 1966 1:18, twin engine 4wd Plymouth Hemi drag car 1966 1:18, rear engine Plymouth GTX 426 Hemi road car 1966 1:18SCHUCO 1:43 diecast in China for Germany: 02641 Lanz Bulldog tractor. The name Bulldog was first applied by Lanz in 1921 to a new 12 hp tractor with a crude oil engine, designed by Dr Fritz Huber, and it became a synonym in Germany for tractors in general. Old farmers talk about their Bulldog, when they mean tractor. Lanz Bulldogs were widespread in Germany and in neighbouring countries, in Poland made under license as the Ursus. Schuco just had to include a Bulldog in their range of historic tractor models. This is a nice choice, a tractor from the early thirties, the first with pneumatic tyres after having cast steel wheels and then solid tyres. The model is excellently detailed, in particular the head of the hot bulb engine, which had to be warmed up with a blowlamp before starting in cold weather. The suspension, exhaust system and air-intake are included, as are the driver's controls and the huge steering wheel. The seat suspension works realistically, allowing a driver figure to be fitted. There is also a tow hitch fitted, and a power take off, to attach agricultural equipment such as a plough or harrow. (notes Hans-Georg Schmitt).
ITALY
NEW FROM BBURAGO
By Hans-Georg SchmittBburago were obviously not satisfied with their German distributor, so they set up their own subsidiary, Bburago Deutschland GmbH. So I was surprised to get information from them, after a long time of hearing nothing, when their Italian press officer promised to supply information about new releases every year, at the Nuremberg toy fair, but I never got anything. Now it looks as if we will be able to include regular updates on Bburago. Our first such item features the legendary Italian designer Giorgetto Giugiaro, who has worked for such companies as Volkswagen and their Bugatti subsidiary, designed an exciting sportscar especially for Bburago, who made it into a 1:18 scale model car. Sharp edges and a sweeping roofline presage future car designs. Some of the styling features can already be seen in some designs by Giugiaro père et fils. The centre of the aggressive frontal treatment is shaped like the tip of an Indian arrow, with huge air intakes below. The doors and side frames are grooved to channel the air via intakes in front of the rear wheel arches, to the radiator of the rear-mounted engine. There is an impressive spoiler on the back. The doors and bonnet open, the interior is very realistic, in beige and silver and the V8 engine is also well detailed. This model, 83313, is available in red, silver, light green or yellow.
Bburago Gold Collection also has some new items, first the 1:16 3334 Fiat 500 Abarth 1965.
The tiny successor to the very popular Topolino was facelifted this year, with reinforced clutch, differential and half-axles, and now with front-hinged doors. The more powerful Abarth version was popular with amateur racing drivers. The white body with blue and yellow stripes and number 5 on the doors is very accurately shaped, including the very basic interior. the rear engine cover is fixed in the half-open position, typical when racing to help with cooling the air-cooled rear engine. The doors and front boot lid also open, and the steering works. The baseplate, engine and wheels are well detailed. In making a compromise between toy and collector's item, the huge and unrealistic door hinges look bad, so it is best displayed with the doors closed. 3379 Mini Cooper 2001 1:18, red with white roof. Accurate body, well detailed model of the (now not-so) 'New' Mini, much bigger than the old one at 3626 mm long. The old one was only 3100 mm long, half a metre shorter. The bonnet and all three doors open and the steering works. The engine is a water-cooled straight four cylinder 1598 ccm 115hp unit good for a maximum speed of 200 km/h. The interior also reflects the real car very well, the aluminium bars in the central console and the inner door covers looking very futuristic. All the instruments, switches and other features are very realistically executed, even the sun visors and the tassels on the inner B-pillars, (handles for the rear passengers). The model is also available as 3319 in blue with a white roof, 3319 in British Racing green and white, 33791 in yellow and white or 33793 in grey and white.
CKD Sets: Bburago 1:43 scale model cars are well-known, mostly well detailed and available at reasonable prices as toys for children. A sub-series in the 1:43 range is the kit collection, CKD-Sets (completely knocked down) with a pre-painted body, all the components and decals to assemble at home. New issues are 49980 Alfa Romeo 156 saloon Policia and 49990 Alfa Romeo 156 saloon Carabinieri, both typical Italian Police cars (see colour pages).
Street Fire is a range of ready built 1:43 cars, mostly finished in 'hot' rally or racing liveries. New items include: 41103 Volkswagen New Beetle 'Herbie', bearing race number 53.
Disney Models: Also new is a range of Bburago models, made in conjunction with Disney, in jolly colours with decals, some with figures.
2001 Fiat 500F 1965 Minnie Mouse, in white reading Minnie Mouse on the bonnet, her picture on the doors in adhesive foil. Printing would have produced a better result, but it will have been necessary to keep the price down.
2095 Formula One racing car, 1:24 scale, with a figure of Mickey in racing overalls and helmet with open visor, the car marked with the name Mouse Racing Stable. Also available are racing cars related to Tigger, Woody, Donald, Goofy and Buz. It is hard to imagine that the clumsy Goofy could drive 2214 Lamborghini Diablo, but here he is in 1:24 scale, the car white with a beige interior, and other Disney comic stars are also seen driving 1:24 diecast sports cars.
There are also some Disney cars in the 1:43 scale range, including 2425 Volkswagen Golf IV two door saloon of Donald Duck.
Finally, here are some future Bburago releases:
The 'old' Mini in 1:16 scale will be available soon in the same quality and finish as the new Mini, in British Racing Green, yellow, blue or red, all with a white roof. Later will come the Ford Streetka, the open version of the smallest Ford saloon, in 1:18 scale, reference 1518.
MORE BANGS FROM ITALY
Here are the latest 1:43 diecast issues from Bang of Italy:
7272 Ferrari 250 GT SWB LM 72 #18 Arents-Connell. 7285 Dino 246 GT street 1960 red 7265 Ferrari 250 TDF 1958 Street Dark blue 7287 Ferrari 250 GT SWB TdeF #157 1960 Mairesse 7286 Ferrari 250 GTO ring 62 #54 Ferraro-Scarlatti 7273 Maserati 450S Le Mans 1957#2 Behra-Simon 7212 Mercedes 300 SL 52 coupe Bern 52 #20 Lang 7275 Maserati 450S Sweden 1957 #8 Moss-Schell 7277 Ferrari 250 GTE Street 1960 red 7261 Alfa Romeo Giulietta Sprint MM 55#243 Cabalen 6002 The Bang Book: Ferrari 250 GT SperimentaleABC: NEWS FROM ITALY
By Laura BrianzaHere is the latest news from ABC, including news of our own products and new releases in other ranges from Italy and elsewhere:
Ad HOC HANDBUILTS by ABC AD HOC 001N Ferrari F90 Sultan black AD HOC 001R Ferrari F90 Sultan racing red AD HOC 001Y Ferrari F90 Sultan yellow AD HOC 001X Ferrari F90 Sultan ad hoc - any colour ABC HANDBUILTS ABC142 OM-150 fire service tanker ABC159 Bizzarrini P538 de Bernardi ABC163 Lamborghini 350 GTV Geneva 1963 ABC157 Fiat 682 Corpo Guardie PS Polizia ABC167 Alfa Romeo Brera ABC166 Rolls-Royce Phantom II Figoni-Falaschi ABC KITS ABCK1207 Ferrari 712M CanAm Andretti WG 71 #50 ABCK1208 Porsche 935 Moby Dick Brianza kitS BRK43163 Lamborghini 350 GTV Geneva 1963 BRK43167 Alfa Romeo Brera BRK43156 Rolls-Royce Phantom II Figoni-Falaschi BRK43157 Fiat 682 Corpo Guardie PS Polizia AR MAQUETTES ARQ8010 Ferrari 801 GP d'Aimee 57 #10 Hawthorn MATILDE MAT04 Ferrari F1 2002 MODEL PLUS 1:12 KITS MPK1213 Ferrari F1 2002 MPK1217 Ferrari Dino 156 65° F1 1961 France #50 CHRISTIAN GOUEL CGK04 Bugatti Type 51 GP Monaco 1931 #22 Chiron or 1930 #10 Varzi PROFIL 24 PRFK24019 Porsche 917K Martini LM 1971 TAMEO KITS TMK310 Ferrari F2002 Canada 2002 TMK311 Toyota TF102 Monaco. 2002 TMK312 Brabham-Alfa Romeo BT 45 TMK316 Ferrari 126 C2 Italy 1982 Andretti, Germany Tambay, Holland 1982 TMK317 Ferrari F2002 G.P. Italy 2002, Germany 2002, France 2002 TECNOMODEL KITS TCNK18A2 Jaguar E Type 1961 Diabolic black TCNK19A0 Fiat 8V Vignale launch, street 1959 TCNK22A0 Ferrari 512 S long nose LM 1970 #12 Ecurie Francorchamps Fierland-Walker TCNK22A1 Ferrari 512 S long nose LM 1970 #5 SEFAC Ickx-Schetty TCNK22A2 Ferrari 512 S long nose LM 1970 #11EVA'S MURKY MERC
By Rod Ward and othersNotes for late arrivals at this theatre. Here is the story so far: In MAR 165 we published a note from Cyril Handley referring to a comment by Bernd Loossen in the Journal of the Mercedes-Benz Modellauto Club. It is worth noting en passant that we have never been sent any Club News by this body, but the comment seemed worthy of reproduction in MAR. Mr Loossen criticised the ABC model of a gold-coloured Mercedes-Benz 540K supposedly given by Adolf Hitler to Eva Braun, suggesting that this model was a 'figment of someone's imagination' and that 'either Brianza failed to check their documentation or the collectors are being taken for a ride'. Laura Brianza of ABC snc felt that she should leap to the defence of her product and her company in MAR 166. Her strongly worded views reflected the colourful way in which Italians often express their opinions, and she produced some of the reference material upon which her model was based. Mr Loossen replies here to Laura Brianza's comments, and says that this model represents a car which Eva never owned. Though he is based in North America, we bow to his superior knowledge of all things German. We reproduce a slightly edited form of his lengthy reply here, and declare that this correspondence is now closed. It's too boring for the rest of us, other than those interested in Nazi memorabilia or urban myths. In the days when I knew some of the folk (volk?) involved in the murky memorabilia trade, most of the interesting Nazi stuff had been made in Leeds in the 1970s, but nobody pointed it out, as we thought that the potential buyers deserved all they got. I seem to recall from that time that it was said every gift from Adolf to Eva was gold, or at least gold-painted. Maybe that prompted the golden Mercedes? Certainly, this car does exist today, and carries the Eva Braun story with it. That this provenance is untrue does not negate the fact that this is an accurate scale model of a gold-painted car which really does exist, and which may be of interest to collectors who couldn't care less about dead Nazis. Personally, as someone not very interested in Naziana or in Mercedes-Benzes,
I find that the story of the car as told by Mr Loossen actually makes it sound almost interesting.
It's also a pity that Mr Loossen doesn't put about his offer of free assistance to model manufacturers more widely (maybe only to German-speakers?) as this might have helped me get my abortive model of the G4 into production some years ago. Anyway, here's what Bernd Loossen has to say:
In regard to your reprint of the English language part of my article about the so-called 'Eva Braun' car by Brianza, as it appeared in MAR 165, and the subsequent remarks made by Ms Brianza: Yes, Ms Brianza is right to say that I was 'astonished', but since when does 'astonishment' mean 'approval' or 'admiration'?
I regret that Ms Brianza was not able to read the German article I wrote for the MBMC Journal about the model, but was only made aware of the English summary. She would hopefully have noticed that I did not criticise the workmanship of the model, but only Brianza's choice of reproducing a fake, either unknowingly or without admitting it. Despite Ms Brianza's remarks, Eva Braun never owned such a car, and neither did she own any other for that matter. Like it or not, this car is purely and simply a fraud, a fake! The car, its history, and its so-called technical specifications are all pure invention. It is interesting to note that the history of the car contains no names, no dates, and no precise geographical locations. Ms Brianza didn't see the unbelievable technical specifications of the car either, otherwise she might have been suspicious that among other things it was supposedly capable of running on either gasoline or diesel fuel, that it had two transmissions, and was capable of 175 mph (282 km/h), that's the speed of today's F1 race cars! The reality is that this car was built in the 1950s in Los Angeles for Tom Barrett, of Barrett-Jackson Auctioneers, who created a whole story, a myth, around the car for the sole purpose of furthering his business interests. Ms Brianza can get in touch with Mr Frank Barrett (no relation to Tom Barrett), publisher of Toad Hall Motorbooks in Lakewood, CO, who will be pleased to enlighten her. She can also contact Mr Dieter Ritter, President of DaimlerChrysler Classic in Stuttgart, Germany, who will be able to confirm from the company's archives that Daimler-Benz never made such a car, for Eva Braun or for anyone else. It is regrettable that Ms Brianza did not consult the MBMC prior to starting work on her model. One of the purposes of the international Mercedes-Benz Modellauto-Club is to assist manufacturer to create accurate Mercedes-Benz car models. Ms Brianza could have availed herself of the resources, the wealth of knowledge of MBMC, and of its excellent connections to DaimlerChrysler Corporation.
BRITAIN
BROOKLIN FOR 2003
Brooklin Models have produced their new release schedule for 2003:
Note: LDM = Lansdowne Models, BRK = Brooklin, RE = Robeddie, IPV = International Police Vehicles, US = US Model Mint . * = new release
Date ref model Notes Jan 06 * RE25 1970 Volvo 164 Jan 16 * LDM35 1970 Hillman Avenger de luxe 4-door Jan 16 IPV01 1961 Austin A110 Westminster Hampshire + IOW Police Feb 06 * BRK97 1955 Dodge Coronet 4-door sedan new release Feb 27 FS03 1956 Plymouth Fury Pikes Peak Hill Climb factory special Feb 27 IPV02 1956 Ford Mainline Indiana State Police Mar 20 * BRK98 1939 La Salle two-door touring sedan Apr 10 IPV03 1952 Singer SM1500 Kent County Police Apr 10 BRK64a 1959 Ford Thunderbird convertible rework (replaces BRK64) May 08 * LDM36 1952 Morris Minor Series II two-door May 08 BRK91a 1954 Kaiser Darrin red additional colour May 29 IPV04 1972 Vauxhall Ventora Huddersfield and District Police May 29 RE29 1980 Saab 99 Turbo black RHD additional version Jun 19 * BRK99 1956 Lincoln Premier July 10 * RE26 1953 Volvo Philip July 10 IPV05 1956 MG Magnette ZA Essex Police July 31 LDM38x 1971 Vauxhall PC Cresta (Special Vauxhall Centenary) factory special July 31 BRK94a 1949 Lincoln Cosmopolitan (colour change) replaces BRK94 Aug 14 US32 1950 Studebaker Wrecker additional Aug 14 US33 1951 White Mustang heavy wrecker additional version Aug 14 * US22 1947 Fruehauf 28' RN semi trailer Aug 14 IPV06 1966 Humber Super Snipe Estate Kent County Constabulary Sept 11 * BRK102 1936 Hudson Terraplane Custom 6-62 four-door sedan Oct 02 IPV07 1953 Austin A40 Somerset Surrey Police Oct 23 * LDM37 1949 Triumph 2000 Roadster Oct 23 IPV08 1949 Ford V8 Pilot Cornwall County Police Nov 13 * BRK103 1956 Plymouth Plaza 2-door club sedan Dec 04 * FS04 1919 White flat + trailer factory special Jan 2004 IPV09 1954 Kaiser Manhattan Ohio Highway PatrolNote: In Spring 2003 Brooklin will produce a range of US Hot Rods, and we are told that US distribution will be by Brasilia Press, with European distribution by JM Toys. More information and pictures in a later issue.
EMBIRICOS RETURNS
South West Model Cars is a new name in the field of 1:43 scale car kits, though their initial subjects previously appeared in another range. There are three kits of the Bentley Embiricos: LM 49, road car 1938-49 and LM 1950-51 (this kit can also make the road car 1951-53), and there is also a Lotus Elite LM 63 #39.
They say that more Elites will follow, and then 'several other classic British cars which have never been the subject of a high quality kit before'. We therefore await news of their future programme with much interest.
WINGROVE NEWS
By Gerald WingroveThis is just a note to update all MAR readers on the WinCol.com website. My Bentley project has been completed and over 300 detail photos of its construction are can be seen at www.geraldwingrove.com for future reference.
The new Current Project is a an Duesenberg SJ with 60 photographs so far, and a further 30 will be added each month until the model is completed. The main project for 2003 will be the 2.3 8C Alfa Romeo of 1931-32, and both Touring and Zagato Monza bodies will be made. Plans for the Touring-boded 1931 2.3 car are available from www.wincol.com. A further 200 photos have been added to the site, to include three new galleries of 2.9 Alfa photos, including a new louvre-making process, 'Workshop' and 'Other Models', (those made before the car models took over all of our time). I hope you like what you see.
NEW HOME FOR PUMPS
We are told that the range of white metal petrol pumps and other service station accessories previously made by Avoncast will in future be made by Bidwell Casting (01454 887648).
FRANCE
NOREV UPDATE
Latest news in Norev's ranges, first 1:43 scale:
Citroen ID break ambulance Citroen C8 mpv, blue, cognac or red Fiat Stilo, yellow, red or grey Peugeot 807 mpv green, light grey, dark grey Renault 8 Major yellow Peugeot 307 fire service doctor's car Renault Clio fire car Citroen ID break Gendarmerie Now for Norev's 1:87 plastic range: Citroen HY fire van Vienne Citroen HY van Michelin Renault 4L van fire Renault 4L van Gengarmerie Renault Kangoo Gendarmerie Renault Kangoo La Poste Renault Kangoo DDE road works Unic Izoard artic tanker Esso Unic Esterel artic tanker BP Peugeot 204 saloon Simca 1500 saloon Citroen Ami 6 saloon Panhard 24CT saloon Renault Dauphine Gordini MC #65 Renault Dauphine Gordini race #23 Saviem single decker bus beige-yellowSOVIET SPEEDSTERS
Land Speed Soviet Cars is a new range, distributed from France, of record cars made in the Soviet era in Russia. There are two series, 1:12 scale resin and 1:43 with elecrolytically moulded copper body shells, with resin parts. The 1:43 scale handbuilt range is priced at between 60 Euros and 100 Euros each. Pictures of some of these models will be in MAR 169:
Svesda 1 (Star) 1946 pale blue Svesda 2 (Star) 1948 silver Svesda 3M (Star) 1950 mid blue Svesda M Nami 1951 red-yellow Kharkov 1 1950 twin cockpit silver Kharkov 6 1952 open pale blue The 1:12 scale resin handbuilt models all cost 200 Euros each: Svesda 1 (Star) 1946 pale blue Svesda 3M (Star) 1950 mid blue Svesda M Nami (Star) 1951 red-yellowEMERGENCY
CODE 3 E-ONEThe latest E-One model diecast in 1:64 scale from Code 3 Collectibles of the USA is a three axle platform ladder truck (turntable ladder appliance to Brits) in the black livery of Willow Springs, Illinois Fire Department.
PHOENIX PHORD PHIRE
A new fire vehicle in 1:24 scale diecast is the Phoenix Toys 18412 Ford 1950 step-van Fire Dept Squad no 1. We don't know Phoenix Toys, but we gather that this model is made in China for the US market, where it retails for around $40. It is an attractive piece, with jack-knife opening side doors, a swivelling and tilting driver's seat, detailed fitted out interior, and all the usual fire service paraphernalia.
WORLD NEWS
BRAZILIAN UPDATE
By Jorge Irineu HosangConcerning the latest new releases from the Brazilian car industry, there are many models which will be introduced to the European Market next year, such as those listed here:
VW Polo Saloon Opel Meriva (MPV based on the Corsa) Opel Corsa Saloon with frontal facelift Opel Corsa with frontal facelift Opel Astra with total light facelift Ford Eco Sport (Sport Utility based on Ford Fiesta) Ford Fiesta Saloon (new version?)KYOSHO 1:18 SCALE
By Heather Rose, hobbico.comThe latest 1:18 diecast models in the Kyosho range are Lamborghinis and Ferraris.
KYOV0096 Ferrari 365 GTB4 Early yellow KYOV0097 Ferrari 365 GTB4 Early red KYOV0156 Lamborghini Countach LP400 orange KYOV0157 Lamborghini Countach LP400 yellow KYOV0158 Lamborghini Countach LP400 redBRUCE ARNOLD'S 75
Bruce Arnold tells us of his latest 1:43 handbuilt model, a 1960 Cadillac Fleetwood Seventy-Five Limousine, of which full-scale production begins shortly. BAM #4 will be constructed of white metal and made to the specifications of Cadillac Motor Division.
GREEN GODDESS RETURNS
In the print version of MAR 168 is a picture of Paul Slade's 1:48 scale model of the famous Green Goddess fire appliance, back in the news, used by the armed forces providing emergency back-up during the FBU strikes. There has been much mis-description of this vehicle in the press in late 2002, so here is a little background information on it. First, the Green Goddess isn't, strictly speaking, a 'military' vehicle, though now operated by the military in national emergencies. Its green livery originated in the AFS. British fire services are provided by local authorities, who have their own preferences in regard to equipment, hence a relative lack of standardisation in UK appliances, unlike some other countries. In 1938 with war looming and Air Raid Precautions at the forefront of minds, the Auxiliary Fire Service (AFS) was formed. In 1939 there were 1400 local authority fire brigades, and in 1941 it became necessary to establish a National Fire Service (NFS) to incorporate all those brigades and the AFS. NFS full-time crews had red-painted appliances, backed up by the AFS, which had more basic green appliances with part time crews. After the War, responsibility for fire cover reverted to a smaller number of local Fire Authorities. The AFS was kept on, as part of Civil Defence, whose primary purpose was to deal with after-effects of a nuclear war. Their outdated equipment was replaced in the 'Mobile Fire Columns', by the latest vehicle in the early 50s, the Bedford RLH 4x4 and Bedford S 4x2 fire appliance on Bedford's Special vehicle and fire tender chassis. This basic vehicle, with only a 30 foot ladder, small water capacity, and no breathing apparatus, was mothballed as the threat of atomic war abated, and hundreds were parked on disused RAF airfields. They were brought back into service to provide fire cover in 1977 during a strike by fire fighters. Crewed by barely-trained military personnel, and escorted at ponderously slow speeds to incidents by police cars, these ancient machines were totally inadequate for their task.
The resulting loss of life and property, which arguably might not have occurred if professional fire fighters had attended, turned public opinion against the strikers, who had hitherto enjoyed widespread popular support. The creaky old appliances (though many with very low mileages) were mothballed once more, now that they had proved their worth in an emergency. In 2002 827 Green Goddesses rolled out again for strike cover, now with a bright red dayglo stripe down each side, but with no additional equipment, to provide the same emergency cover as almost 4000 modern appliances, at half the speed, with outdated equipment, and barely-trained crews. The soldiers, airmen and sailors who operate these 50 year old museum pieces are not allowed (or trained) to operate the sophisticated modern fire appliances which remain locked in fire stations when firefighters are on strike.
Oh, and why 'Green Goddess'? It was named after a lurid green-coloured sweet and sticky alcoholic concoction popular in the 1940s and 50s. The same manufacturer's other drink, Pink Lady, did not have a fire engine named after it...
LITTLE SHIPS
Long time readers of avia mini and MAR may be aware that at one time we planned a third publication from Auto Review, called Little Ships. We intended that it would cover all kinds of maritime subjects of interest to collectors. We were aware of an affinity between collectors in our interest fields, particularly those who collect both 1:200 scale aircraft and 1:1200 scale ships. The plan was to include ships in all scales (but with regular coverage of 1:1200 scale releases), smaller boats (including record breakers, offshore racing boats and 'emergency' craft including firefloats, crash rescue and lifeboats) and other related topics such as lighthouses, amphibians and so on. When we researched the market, however, we found little support among potential readers, and as avia mini was already struggling as a stand-alone publication at the time, we decided to shelve Little Ships. Since avia mini has been combined with MAR we have occasionally had some difficulty filling even those two aircraft pages, so perhaps the decision not to go ahead with its maritime equivalent was correct. From time to time, however, we have slipped the odd boat or ship into the pages of MAR when we feel that the subject is of interest to our wider readership. This particularly relates to World Water Speed Record boats, models of which are collected by many folk who also collect World Land Speed Record contenders. The owners, drivers and designers are often the same, after all. This also applies to offshore racing power boats, which share a lot of their technology, designers and drivers with racing cars. So, in future issues, any news items, features and photographs will be gathered together in Model Auto Review under the Little Ships heading. We therefore invite input from readers interested in any aspect of this subject to submit material or comments for inclusion in an occasional Little Ships feature. For instance, how about an article from someone on the World Water Speed Record, with a table of leading contenders, similar to our previous series on the WLSR by Fred Kaesmann?
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